Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Mastiff.Media
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Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media/utm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

  1. 4d ago

    Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List

    Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List Spectacles in the CapitalThe host contrasts the financial struggles of everyday Americans with the lavish events taking place in Washington, D.C.Recent events include military parades and UFC fights hosted on the South Lawn of the White House.The upcoming INDYCAR Freedom 250 Grand Prix is taking over the streets of Washington, D.C..The host points out a mathematical oversight by the race organizers, noting that a 250-mile race on a 1.7-mile track down Pennsylvania Avenue actually requires 147 laps.The White House "Media Offenders" ListA new webpage on the official White House website categorizes various journalists and independent creators as "media offenders".Targeted political commentators include Brian Tyler Cohen and David Pakman, alongside a representative from Fox News.The host condemns this list as an authoritarian tactic to target critics, warning that it undermines press freedom and free speech.A Call for Media UnityThe host criticizes the administration's followers, associating the movement with Christian nationalism and white nationalism.He urges independent journalists and creators across the political spectrum to unite against these government actions.The segment closes with a warning inspired by Benjamin Franklin, reminding creators that they must all hang together or they will hang separately. Episode 187 Date 260823.3  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  2. 4d ago

    Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed

    The Collapse of the Trade TalksBreaking down the failure of the US-Canada trade negotiations that collapsed on Friday after 11 hours of disagreements.Examining the White House's claim that Canada walked back its commitments versus Ottawa's stance that the US "asked for too much and offered too little."Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed The Three Unacceptable DemandsAuto Sector: The US push for restrictive auto sector terms.Sovereignty & Culture: Washington's request to alter policies regarding Canadian culture and sovereignty.Third-Party Trade: The Trump administration's demands to restrict Canada from making independent trade deals with other nations.The Tariffs and the RetaliationAn overview of the Trump administration levying 50% tariffs on 5% of Canadian exports (including beer, whiskey, hockey sticks, furniture, and building supplies).A look at the local impact: Why Jack Daniels is still missing from Canadian shelves.Prime Minister Mark Carney's statement that Canada was "attacked" and his announcement of dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs targeting US steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics, starting September 8th.The breakdown of the USMCA review process and what it means for the future of North American trade. Episode 186 Date 260823.2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  3. 4d ago

    Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos

    Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos Minneapolis City Hall ConfrontationA breakdown of the MPD incident action plan, including the barriers placed outside City Hall to separate opposing groups.Examining the initial spark: Two vehicles illegally driving onto the adjacent sidewalk at a slow speed toward the gathered crowd.The deployment of chemical irritants—addressing the MPD's claim of "mace" versus the reality of OC spray (and the "measurable snot" it causes).Vehicle 1 Arrests (Stopped by Minnesota State Patrol)The MN State Patrol traffic stop near Washington Avenue and Southbound I-35W.Eric Wayne Dawson (53): Arrested on probable cause riot.Stephen Edward Major (42): Arrested on probable cause riot.Matthew Pike Oduguwa (33): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for chest pain prior to booking).Vehicle 2 Arrests (Stopped by Bloomington Police)The Bloomington Police traffic stop near Lindau Lane and IKEA Way.Charles Oscar Miles Jr. (73): Arrested on probable cause riot.John William-Kei Irwin (32): Arrested on probable cause riot.Jayden Daniel Scott (23): Arrested on probable cause riot.Edward Jacob "Jake" Lang (31): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for an unrelated non-life-threatening injury prior to booking).Additional Arrests at City HallTanner Duncan (29): Arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing legal process.William Nicholas Love (33): Arrested for assault.Matthew Norby (37): Arrested on probable cause riot (hospitalized and cleared for chest pain prior to booking).Lucas Kaducak (22): Arrested for disorderly conduct. Episode  185 Date 260823.1 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  4. Jul 16

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes Introduction: Host Yergz opens the show by defining the mission of Up the Middle, aiming to arm independent and swing voters with common-sense arguments against political extremism.Right-Wing Hypocrisy & Legal Troubles: Yergz highlights two recent scandals: the indictment of a MAGA-aligned pastor for explicit materials and New Hampshire Rep. Brian Morse’s revenge porn charges, emphasizing the contradiction with their public stances on family values and book bans.Vivek Ramaswamy’s Vaccine Payout: A breakdown of Ramaswamy’s biotech firm collecting a massive $950 million settlement from Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine technology, contrasting the profit with his public anti-vaccine rhetoric.Hunter Biden’s Defamation Victory: A brief overview of Hunter Biden securing a $1.7 million win in a defamation lawsuit against Patrick Byrne regarding false bribery allegations.A Warning From 2017: Yergz shares a personal anecdote from a 2017 inaugural ball where a political counterpart joked about a "third term," connecting this memory to current concerns over the firing of U.S. Election Commission members.Mastiff Media Announcements: An update on the network's expansion, teasing the launch of a brand-new Mastiff Media Morning Show starting August 3rd.Sign-Off & Outro: Yergz wraps up the broadcast with a reminder to stay positive, followed by a comedic audio montage. Episode 184 Date 260712.6 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  5. Jul 16

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis I. Show Introduction & MissionThe "Up the Middle" Philosophy: Host Yergz introduces the show as a platform that brings the opposition into the room to test arguments in real-time.Target Audience: Geared toward the 45%+ of swing voters and independents seeking common sense over partisan extremism.Logistics: Recorded live on Sunday evenings at 10:00 PM EST (available at mastiff.media/utm).II. The Central Medical Mystery: Mitch McConnellThe Timeline: Hospitalized in Washington D.C. since June 14th after a home emergency; not seen publicly since June 11th.The Narrative Gap:Official Stance: McConnell's office claims he is receiving excellent care, improving, and remains "fully engaged" with Senate business.The Reality on the Ground: Media-obtained dispatch audio reveals responders were called for an "unconscious person," with emergency personnel performing CPR for a patient in cardiac arrest. CNN footage showed him being wheeled out on a stretcher.Historical Context: This follows a string of health issues, including a severe 2023 concussion, freezing episodes, minor falls, and a recent hospitalization for flu-like symptoms.III. The Political Fallout & Reactions The lack of transparency has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. Gov. Andy Beshear (KY) Expressed public concern; called the persistent uncertainty "unfair to the state. "Far-Right Activists (e.g., Laura Loomer) Accused GOP leadership of a massive cover-up, claiming without evidence that McConnell is "brain dead. "Right-Wing Commentators (e.g., Glenn Beck) Demanded immediate truth and transparency regarding the Senator's actual condition. GOP Leadership (Sens. Thune & Barrasso) Attempted to quell rumors by stating they spoke with McConnell, claiming he was alert and tracking Senate business. Critics (e.g., Marjorie Taylor Greene) Dismissed leadership claims as "establishment spin" due to the lack of direct audio or video proof. IV. Breaking News: The Photo UpdateThe Source: Bradley Schlegel from Town and Country News (UPVnews.com).The Update: McConnell released a statement and a photo featuring his wife, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.Medical Clarification: Admitted after an unexplained fall, developed pneumonia in the hospital, and is currently in inpatient rehabilitation therapy.Host's Take: Yergz validates the audience's initial skepticism—noting the office's "secret squirrel stuff" didn't look good—but expresses genuine relief that the 84-year-old Senator is alive and recovering.V. The Legal & Geopolitical CrisisKentucky's Legal Firestorm: The state legislature stripped the governor's power to appoint a Senate replacement, a 2024 law that Gov. Beshear is likely to challenge in court.Senate Gridlock:The GOP's narrow 53-47 majority is in unprecedented jeopardy.With McConnell incapacitated and the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, the active Republican vote count drops from 53 to 51.This creates an immediate mathematical crisis for party-line votes and stalls critical spending bills in the evenly split Appropriations Committee.VI. OutroHost Yergz explains the podcast format (cut from a two-hour live show) and directs listeners to join the live broadcast on Sunday nights. Episode 183 Date  260712.5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  6. Jul 16

    Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music

    Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music Introduction to the Show Host Yergz introduces "Up the Middle" as a space for swing voters and independents to evaluate opposing political arguments.The show broadcasts live on Sunday evenings and focuses on cutting through partisan noise to find common-sense truths.The Core Scandal Three Florida Republican officials and a political consultant face charges related to an August 2024 primary election scheme.The group allegedly distributed tens of thousands of fake voter guides using unauthorized party branding to manipulate super voters.The accused orchestrated a secret envelope-stuffing operation to mask the origins of the deceptive mailers.The Accused and the Charges Sarah Arnold St. Johns County Commissioner (District 2) 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Christian Whitehurst St. Johns County Commissioner (District 1) 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Dylan Rumrell St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner / Former Mayor 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Brianna Jordan Political Campaign Consultant 3rd Degree Felony (Tampering with physical evidence) Legal and Prosecutorial Strategy The state attorney bypassed broader felony charges like grand theft in favor of tailored election integrity statutes.This strategic choice was strictly designed to prevent defense attorneys from getting the cases dismissed on statutory technicalities.The political consultant faces the most severe legal jeopardy due to allegedly ordering an intern to burn the remaining fraudulent guides in a backyard grill.Host Commentary Yergz draws on his 23 years in law enforcement to emphasize that investigations should prioritize truth over simply securing convictions.The episode contrasts widespread, evidence-free political projections about election fraud with the concrete reality of this specific local case.The host points out the irony of political figures committing the exact type of election interference their party often warns the public about.Outro and Logistics A brief disclaimer explains the audio transition from a live radio broadcast to a segmented podcast feed format.Listeners are directed to the Mastiff Media website to catch future live broadcasts. Episode 182 Date 260712.4 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  7. Jul 16

    The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process

    The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process Show Introduction The Premise: Yergz introduces Up the Middle, a live radio show aimed at undecided, persuadable swing voters who make up roughly 45% of the electorate. The Goal: The show is designed to bring opposing viewpoints into the room so listeners can hear the other side's arguments in real-time.Main Story: The Rise and Fall of Graham PlatnerThe Candidate: Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, ran a successful anti-establishment, progressive populist campaign for the US Senate in Maine, initially defeating the establishment candidate.The Scandals: Platner's campaign quickly imploded after the primary win due to a series of escalating controversies, including deleted offensive tweets, a chest tattoo with Nazi connotations, and sending sexually explicit texts to multiple women shortly after his wedding.The Allegations: Two ex-girlfriends came forward with severe allegations, including physical abuse and sexual assault without consent.The Fallout: Institutional support completely collapsed. Major political figures rescinded their endorsements, prompting Platner to officially suspend his campaign and submit withdrawal paperwork.The Next Steps: The Maine Democratic Party now has a strict two-week window to host a nominating convention and select a replacement candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins.Host Commentary: The Court of Public OpinionPresumption of Innocence: Yergz questions the swift expulsion of Platner from the race before any formal due process or legal conviction took place.Political Hypocrisy: The host contrasts Platner's situation with other political figures—including an unnamed LA mayoral candidate and various Republicans—who face allegations or arrests but are treated differently by their respective parties.Cancel Culture Critique: Yergz expresses discomfort with forcing someone out of their career or campaign solely based on unproven allegations, emphasizing that "innocent until proven guilty" is a foundational right.Announcements & Sponsor BreaksEntitySegment Details Be Inspired Podcast A promo for a podcast hosted by Jane Stahl, recommended to listeners looking for inspiration. Host's Personal Update Yergz announces a new full-time job working Thursday through Monday in the mobile department at a Best Buy in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Rad Rooster Coffee An ad for a veteran-owned coffee roasting company in Pennsylvania, offering free shipping on orders over $50 with a special hashtag. Colebrookdale Railroad A promo highlighting historic train excursions, dinner dates, and wine tastings in southeastern Pennsylvania. Jet Trends A shoutout to a local Florida business specializing in jet ski maintenance and repair. Episode ConclusionFormat Explanation: Yergz explains to podcast listeners that the audio is cut from a longer, two-hour live radio broadcast.Segment Teaser: The host previews the next segment, which will cover the quarterfinals of the World Cup.Outro Audio: The episode closes with a classic radio bumper about why audiences tune in to controversial hosts just to "see what he'll say next." Episode 181 Date 260712.3 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  8. Jul 16

    A Career of Contradictions: The Sudden Passing and Complex Legacy of Lindsey Graham

    A Career of Contradictions: The Sudden Passing and Complex Legacy of Lindsey Graham Show Introduction: Host Yergz introduces "Up The Middle," detailing the show's mission to engage undecided voters by bringing opposing viewpoints directly into the conversation.Breaking News: Announcement of the sudden death of 71-year-old South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham following a brief illness and a recent diplomatic trip to Ukraine.Political Career Overview: A breakdown of Graham's decades-long tenure in the Senate, highlighting his hawkish foreign policy, influential committee roles, and conservative voting record on civil rights.The Trump Transformation: An examination of Graham's dramatic pivot from calling Donald Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot" in 2015 to becoming one of his closest political allies.Polarized Public Reactions: The host reads a highly critical, explicit public statement from January 6th police officer Michael Fanone reacting to Graham's passing.Rumors and Hypocrisy: A candid discussion surrounding the persistent rumors about Graham's sexuality, contrasting his public denials with his consistent legislative record against LGBTQ+ rights.Podcast Outro: A standard sign-off explaining the abrupt ending due to radio formatting, along with details on how to listen to the full live broadcast. Episode 180 Date 260712.2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

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Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media/utm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

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